Originally Posted by bazzookatooth
Apologies if any of this is redundant:
*The 2013s have a pretty basic, non-touch head unit. In my opinion, it looks pretty awful. 2014+ has a unit that will work nicely with bluetooth phones. Android auto/Apple CarPlay upgrades are available around $400.
*OFTEN SLEPT ON FACT: they added knee bolsters somewhere around 2014-2016 - my apologies for not knowing. If you're average height, these add a lot of comfort. There were also improvements in interior trim - kick panels, I believe?
*There were suspension tweaks for the 2015MY - stiffer springs, more aggressive dampers. Noticeable? I'm not sure.
*2015 also gets the shark-fin antenna.
*Final drive went from 4.1 to 4.3 in 2017 MY - making acceleration a bit quicker (perhaps .5 seconds to 60 at best, with the newer cars getting to 60 around 6.5s as opposed to 6.8-7s).
*2017+ gets a crinkle-red aluminum intake manifold with a slight redesign for 205hp versus outgoing FRS's 200.
*Some will say the facelift 2017 Toyota models are a tad softer than the outgoing FRS. I drove both back to back and I'm not sure I noticed much.
*2017+ gets full LED driving lights with optional fog lights. I find the fog lights helpful with the deer in my area; plus, they look slick. The LED lights are supposed to last around 10 years but currently cost $1,000 or so to replace as the entire assembly must be swapped should a bulb die. They are essentially improvements on the aftermarket pieces you'll see on older cars.
A few notes:
I'm not going to touch on known issues in older cars, because with your budget you should be able to get something around MY '16+ and have some money set aside for any issues. There are also countless threads and sources of documented issues with these cars.
You're almost in the price range of having some remaining drivetrain warranty - 5 years or 60k miles IIRC.
The speakers in all models are not great, but I did notice a difference when test driving my current 2019 versus the 2017 I was considering. That being said, they aren't as bad as many people seem to say.
The transmission, engine, seat bolstering, steering wheel, overall dynamics, chassis and many other bits are largely the same in the full 8 year run of these cars.
The GR86 is slated to come out in a year so you may save big money by waiting.
Halo white is a cool color (I'm biased here).
The TRD exhaust manages to actually drone worse than some aftermarket solutions and costs $1,100 as a dealer option.
You may notice TRD lowering springs, Sachs dampers, TRD sway bars, or Brembo brakes as dealer options on any of these cars.
There are subtle differences in the spoilers.
***The BRZ tends to have neutral balance of oversteer/understeer, the 86/FRS tends to have neutral oversteer.
***Get a manual! Having owned 3 "vintage" BMWs (2 E30s, one E28), an NB Miata (MY '99), and a B6 A4 (MY '04) these transmissions are beginner-friendly and extremely fun to row through. There is a clutch valve that eases hard shifts in some newer(?) models and these drivetrains can take a good bit of abuse.
***If you're buying 60k miles or up and not an intermediate mechanic, check to see if spark plugs have been done. This service is pricey due to the boxer engine's packaging.
WOW that was long. I probably missed some things. Sorry for rambling and good luck! [emoji38]
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